HOISINGTON—"Raising the Bar" was the theme as youth from around the country gathered at the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) 2011 National Cluster Meeting, Nov. 11-13, in Denver, Colo.
Attendees participated in a weekend of unique opportunities that will challenge, inform, and motivate members and their chapter advisers to explore opportunities available through FCCLA: The Ultimate Leadership Experience. They examined new ways to help them succeed in their families, careers, and communities. The weekend meeting was intended to increase youth awareness about such areas as career exploration, family relationships, self-esteem, youth violence prevention, and current issues affecting teens.
Five FCCLA national youth officers, Ariana Lake, Alex Durham, Tori Coates, Miguel Astello, and Kristy Paquette; presided over the general sessions throughout the weekend. Colorado FCCLA State President, Brittany Sandoval, welcomed members during the opening general session followed by an inspiring keynote address from author and recording artist, Gerald Jones. FCCLA partners, chapters, advisers, and members from across the country also presented workshops at the meeting on topics including financial fitness, leadership training, and FCCLA’s Japanese Exchange program.
Denver was one of three nationally sponsored training conferences this fall. The national cluster meetings are designed to allow local students and teachers to take advantage of high-quality leadership training opportunities. Meetings were also held in Minneapolis, Minn. and Atlanta, Ga.
FCCLA is a national student organization that helps young men and women become leaders and address important personal, family, work, and societal issues through Family and Consumer Sciences education. FCCLA has over 200,000 members and over 6,500 chapters from 50 state associations, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. The organization has involved more than ten million youth since its founding in 1945.
FCCLA programs are planned and run by members. It is the only career and technical in-school student organization with the family as its central focus. Participation in national programs and chapter activities helps members become strong leaders in their families, careers, and communities.
